That would prevent me from seeking funding for the prototype. Requiring a working prototype at the time the patent is submitted only benefits wealthy corporations.

I should be able to obtain a contingent patent relatively quickly, and once I am able to build the prototype, I would submit it to get the patent validated. Of course there should be a time limit between the two events to prevent me from sitting on the patent.

I agree. Also what if your invention is as big as a house? How you gonna carry that to the patent office? Walking down the street one day and you come across the space shuttle replacement being towed to the patent office for validation. Not very sensible really!

"Patent applications must be accompanied by a working prototype"

That would prevent me from seeking funding for the prototype. Requiring a working prototype at the time the patent is submitted only benefits wealthy corporations.

I should be able to obtain a contingent patent relatively quickly, and once I am able to build the prototype, I would submit it to get the patent validated. Of course there should be a time limit between the two events to prevent me from sitting on the patent.